New Jersey hunting licenses are required for all individuals planning on removing wildlife from public state-sanctioned hunting areas. Without the proper hunting license credentials, hunters found catching game in NJ hunting areas will be charged with poaching and subject to numerous fines and penalties. To avoid these consequences, hunters should all have the proper hunting permit for their purposes. Each license to hunt is regulated and issued by the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Division to both residents and non residents alike. Before buying hunting licenses, hunters should figure out which hunting permit they need for their preferred hunting style. Hunting licenses are divided into categories based on numerous factors such as the applicant's age, residency status, the length of the hunting license's validity and the type of animal the hunter will be catching. Prior to completing the New Jersey hunting license application process, applicants must first complete the state’s hunter education program requirements. Hunter education programs are taught by wildlife experts from the New Jersey wildlife department. Topics covered in hunter education courses include safe handling of firearms, ethical hunting practices, skills for surviving in the wilderness and wildlife management. Hunters can submit their hunting license application and buy hunting licenses from the wildlife department once he or she has completed the required hunter education courses. The NJ Fish and Wildlife Division offers two methods for buying hunting licenses: in person and online. Hunting license fees must be paid at the time of the application submission. For more information on how to get hunting licenses in New Jersey, read the sections outlined below:

What types of hunting licenses are available in New Jersey?

A variety of hunting license types is available to both residents and non residents catching game within the state. Categories of hunting permits are based on certain factors such as the applicant’s age, residency status, the type of game the license allows hunters to catch and the length of the hunting license’s validity. Options for hunting permits include firearm residential and non resident hunting licenses, senior firearm licenses, two-day firearm small game hunting licenses and firearm youth licenses. For bow and arrow hunters, the wildlife department offers bowhunting non resident and residential hunting licenses, senior bow and arrow licenses and youth bow and arrow licenses.

Prior to buying a hunting license, hunters will need to ensure they have met the hunter safety education requirements. Additionally, hunters applying for residential hunting licenses must provide proof of their New Jersey residency.

How do I purchase hunting licenses in New Jersey?

Buying a hunting license in New Jersey is a simple process that can be done through the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Division. Before hunters buy NJ hunting licenses, applicants should first make sure they meet the hunter education requirements set by the wildlife department. Applicants must also present the necessary documentation to complete the hunting permit application process. NJ hunting license applicants can submit hunting license applications either in person or online.

To buy hunting licenses in person, visit a New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Division’s authorized licensing agent. To buy hunting licenses online, visit the NJ Fishing and Hunting License Sales page. Applicants must provide various pieces of personal information on the online hunting license application. Once hunters have purchased their hunting license, they will need to keep it on their person at all times while out on hunting trips. Fees for hunting licenses must be paid at the time of application. Online hunting license fee payments can be made with a valid credit or debit card.

Am I required to take any hunting classes in order to purchase a New Jersey hunting license?

All first-time hunting license applicants can only buy hunting licenses in New Jersey once they have completed a hunter education course sanctioned by the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Division. The wildlife division has set up the hunter education program to teach hunters the required material to hunt successfully and safely in state-sanctioned hunting areas. To complete the hunter education requirements, students must enroll in a home-study hunter education course through the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Division, study all the hunter education information either at home or online and attend the required one-day field sessions, where students will work with instructors through a variety of hunting activities.

Registration for hunter education courses is free of charge and includes all the necessary materials. At the conclusion of the required field day, hunters will be required to take and pass a written exam. Once this exam has been passed, students receive a hunter education certificate, which they can use to buy a hunting license from the wildlife division. Hunter education course topics include:

Responsible hunting practices.

Safe hunting methods.

Hunting ethics.

Firearm safety.

Wildlife management.

How do I replace a lost New Jersey hunting license?

Hunters dealing with a lost, stolen or damaged hunting license must buy a new permit prior to embarking on any hunting trips. Hunting without a proper hunting permit may result in fines and penalties for poaching. New Jersey’s Fish and Wildlife Division issues all hunting licenses through an electronic system. As a result, all previously purchased licenses are available for reprint online through the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Division’s License Sales page. For all duplicate hunting license purchases, hunters must pay a small fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. All throughout the United States, hunters safety classes must be completed in order for applicants to obtain their desired hunting permits and stamps. Failure to take this specific course will result in the rejection of your hunting license request, thus requiring you to start over.

Depending on your state of residence, you may be able to buy hunting licenses in a variety of ways, including online (through your state department’s portal), by mail, by phone or in person. Choose the option that is most convenient for you. Make sure to also have any type of official documentation and payment for fees on hand.

No. Different states have different limits and regulations on hunting licensure. Certain animals may be considered “prohibited species,” whereas other animals may be legal to hunt, so long as you have the necessary hunting permit/stamp. Keep in mind that if you do hunt for any type of prohibited species, you will be subject to serious consequences.

Yes. States typically offer various short-term hunters license options, such as one-day and one-week passes, to those who do not meet residency requirements. In order to receive issuance of a short-term hunting license, make sure to get in touch with your state/hunting wildlife department to find out the available methods you have to apply.

In the event your hunting credentials are lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed, contact your state hunting/wildlife department to order a hunting license replacement. You may have to make an in-person visit to a local office to complete the process. At the time of your replacement request, you may be asked to present your state driving license or another type of identification.